Turn Setbacks into Success

How to learn from, and triumph over slipups.

Article By: Michelle Fowler

In any process that requires changing lifestyle habits, especially weight-loss, there are going to be ups and downs. The key to remaining positive during a setback is to remember that no one is perfect, and that getting thrown off track occasionally, doesn't mean you've messed up for good.

While it might not feel like it at the time, a slip can pave the way to greater success and boost your confidence. It's a perfect opportunity to slow down, reassess your habits, and decide what's working for you; what's not; and why. Open yourself up to the lessons that hurdles present and make the slip work for you, rather than against you. Doing so will help you regain control and avoid feeling discouraged. Look at slips as road signs pointing the way toward a more productive path. Each time you make a mistake, you learn what to do — and more important, what not to do.
It's feedback, not failure
Maybe you’re finding it difficult to commit to your weekly activity goal. Or you’re not as vigilant with tracking on the weekends. Or perhaps you’ve noticed your motivation waning during the lazy days of summer. Recognizing behaviors that hinder your progress and using strategies and tools to help you recover from lapses is a big step in establishing a successful weight-loss plan that will work for you, and that you can work with, too.

It’s also important to recognize negative thoughts when they run through your mind, and understand how your thoughts influence your weight-loss progress. Is an “all-or-nothing” attitude tripping you up? You know what we mean if you’ve ever overindulged and thought, ‘I’ve blown it so I might as well keep eating.’ Instead of throwing in the towel and overeating the rest of the day (or week), do something to help you feel more in control. View your next meal — or the next moment — as a fresh start.

Wherever your insights lead you, bravo for having the courage to take what might be an uncomfortable detour — and still move forward — on your path to weight-loss success. Give yourself credit for undertaking such a life-changing journey — slip-ups and all!

Tools and strategies to help you turn slip-ups into springborads to success

Review Your Progress Reports
Need to make a few tweaks to achieve your goals? Share your personalized report with your Leader and ask for suggestions.

Practice Positive Self-Talking
This Weight Watchers Tools for Living strategy from can help you learn how to use words that will not only make you feel better but also keep you motivated.